By Joyce Bliss
Although nothing can really ease the pain when new parents suffer the loss of their newborn, knowing that others care can help.
Local resident Linda Douglas wanted to do something for those parents. She is a member of Angel Gowns, an organization which provides custom-made gowns for those babies that will not becoming home. These gowns help the families affirm their young child’s life, and can be used for final photos and burial services. The gowns are made from donated wedding dresses.
One wedding gown can make at least a dozen Angel Gowns, and are crafted by volunteers. It only takes about an hour to make one of these precious gowns.
The gowns are given to any family that requests one at no charge. Douglas said, “How sad for a baby not to have the proper attire to be laid to rest.”
The gowns are donated to the neonatal units and then dispersed to the families when requested.
A rising number of gowns have been requested to be made. “It is just as important to find more seamstresses to help make the gowns for the babies,” according to Douglas.
If the intended family lives a distance from the area, Douglas needs to make sure that the gowns arrive to the intended families in just one or two days. The postage to make sure that happens can become costly. The cost for shipping and to package the gown may become expensive. The gowns are also sent to hospitals in bulk.
Wedding gowns, as well as mother of the bride dresses can be used. Colors of white, ecru, soft pink and soft baby blue are predominantly used. Donations of fabric or monetary gifts for postage are appreciated.
Douglas continued, “These gowns are a gift of love and no gratitude is expected.”
For more information regarding making a monetary or fabric donation or in crafting the Angel Gowns, please contact Douglas at 220-6721.
